Bermuda Waterworks is extending its pipeline in the west of the Island.

And the firm yesterday started trench work to lay a pipe into Sound View Road and East Shore Road in Somerset.

Bermuda Waterworks CEO Allan Rance said the move was part of a 2010 promise to Government to supply piped water to the west end.

He added: “This project is part of an overall plan to enable the company to offer its product and service to new clients in a densely-populated residential area in Somerset.

“We’re pleased to be extending our distribution system and this project is another example of how we are committed to investing and strengthening the company’s infrastructure to serve the Bermuda public.”

Mr Rance said that a wet summer — including record August rainfall — had reduced demand for metered water.

But he added: “Demand has increased since then and we know that rain comes and goes.

“To avoid running short during future dry spells, we recommend that interested residents sign up for our service now while the pipeline work is being installed because it becomes much more expensive to come back after the trenching project has passed their property to dig up the road a second time to make a connection.

“The cost at least doubles after the trench has been closed when compared to the connection fee charged at the time the trenching project is underway.”

Mr Rance said that the work, expected to last two to three months, would cause some disruption in the Sound View area.

But he added: “This new offering is not only testament of to Bermuda Waterworks’ commitment to the Bermuda marketplace, but it also reflects our position that access to an adequate, healthy piped water supply is essential to modern-day living and is an expected part of the infrastructure in first world countries in the 21st century.”

The company earlier this year lengthened its existing pipeline from Somerset Bridge to Sound View Road before the start of the cruise ship season.

The firm plans to finish work in Sound View Road and East Shore Road areas early next year then complete the loop back along Somerset Road to Sound View Road junction by April.

A reserve osmosis plant, which treats brackish water, was installed at the same time to produce higher-quality drinking water and reduced power consumption.

Mr Rance added that the company is offering discounts on connection fees for those who want to sign up before the trenching work passes their properties.